St Peters is the most ancient of all the churches in Shaftesbury and stands in the High Street. The registers date from 1623. It was built in the latter part of the 15th century.

Christine🔹

September 29, 2023

Pretty church, surprisingly bright on the inside (simple glass windows). Usually open to visitors all day

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Mike The Mooching Minister.

August 22, 2025

St Peter's Church is the oldest church in Shaftesbury, located at the top of the famous Gold Hill, right next to the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey. It is a key historic building and a prominent part of the town's landscape.
St Peter's Church was originally built in the 14th century to serve pilgrims visiting the nearby Shaftesbury Abbey. Due to economic hardships, such as the Black Death, its construction was prolonged, resulting in a mix of architectural styles, including Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic.
The lower part of the tower is the oldest section of the current building. The nave and its arcades are from the 14th century, while the clerestory and the panelled oak roofs were added in the 15th and 16th centuries. The church also features a crypt under its south aisle.
Decline and Restoration: By the late 19th century, St Peter's fell into disuse and disrepair. It was even used as a grain store during World War II. In 1971, it was officially declared redundant. However, a major restoration effort was launched by local groups, and in 1977, it was rededicated and became the parish church of Shaftesbury once again. It was the first church in the country to be re-established as a full-time parish church after being declared redundant.

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Elevation 220 m

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Location: Shaftesbury, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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